VietNamNet Bridge - Mobile network operators blame the low 3G service quality to people’s unregulated use of signal amplifiers. Meanwhile, people say they have to use the amplifiers because of weak mobile waves.

 

The Radio Frequency Center Zone 1 has found signal interference in over 40 places in Hanoi was caused by signal amplifiers in the localities. 

Individuals and organizations in the localities have been found using signal amplifiers which do not satisfy technical requirements. 

The majority of the amplifiers used were broadband devices with the signal spectrum frequency range of 880 - 925MHz, strong signals which caused interference in the Uplink band of Viettel, VinaPhone and MobiFone.

A representative of the Radio Frequency Center Zone 1 cited current laws as saying that it is illegal to use signal amplifiers and the illegal users have to bear a fine of VND20-30 million for their behavior.

However, amplifier users said there was substandard mobile wave quality, and asked mobile network operators’ to take responsibility.

They say service providers must also be fined for providing services with quality below committed standards.

The Radio Frequency Center admitted that the mobile signal measured in many localities could not meet the standards set by the Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC).

Le Van Tuan, deputy head of the Radio Frequency Agency, said it was necessary to clarify the responsibility mobile network operators have to take in this case.

“Why didn’t network operators install standard signal transceiver stations?” he asked.

Viettel, one of the three Vietnamese largest mobile providers, admitted that if people can receive high-quality services, they will find it unnecessary to use signal amplifiers. 

This means that mobile network operators need to join forces to improve the mobile wave quality.

However, all Viettel, MobiFone and VinaPhone complained that it was not easy to install signal transceiver stations to improve the service quality in the localities.

“The problem is that local people try to stop the installation of stations, even though we received licenses to install stations from the Construction and the Information & Communication Departments,” a senior executive from MobiFone, said.

He went on to say that it was now difficult to develop infrastructure items in the northern provinces, including Hanoi, especially after telcos began providing 3G services.

MIC has been asked to test the mobile frequency in people’s houses as well when testing telcos’ mobile service quality. However, MIC said this was impossible. 

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